I decided i’d share a couple of my favorite records from this year. This is by no means a complete list and there’s a ton of stuff not on here but these albums definitely have an important place in my head space. Here’s to next year being better than the last.
GAUNTLET HAIR :: SELF TITLED
I know nothing about this band personally, but their self titled record is overflowing with creepy melodies and wild drumming that creates it’s own kind of psychedelic world. ”Keep Time” is probably the best opening track of the year.
BIG TROUBLES :: ROMANTIC COMEDY
Why this record was shit on by everyone I will never understand. There isn’t a single bad song on here in any way and there is some great diversity in the fuzzed out moping of “Misery” and the Chills-esque pop of “Softer than Science”. Underrated as fuck and for no good reason, good job people!
PURE X :: PLEASURE
This is a perfect album. Everything from the lyrics to the recording quality is exactly what I want music to sound like. This is syrup music for being alone. Hands down this is the album of the year for me.
CASS MCCOMBS :: WIT’S END/HUMOR RISK
In a time where I feel like a majority of successful records are full of phony apathy and weak attempts at happy go lucky cool kid bullshit Cass managed to find a much larger audience with a pair of records that are incredibly bleak and most importantly very honest. It makes complete sense to release both of these albums so closely and I can’t possibly decide which speaks to me more.
TORO Y MOI :: UNDERNEATH THE PINE/FREAKING OUT
Hanging out with the Toro bros this year and getting to play so many shows with them changed my head entirely for the better. Seeing these songs performed in rooms full of happy, dancing people only made me love these records more. This is everything music, sad and uncertain but always driven forward, moving constantly to somewhere better and better.
FOXES IN FICTION :: ALBERTO
Warren Hildebrand’s songwriting gets more ambitious and more beautiful on everything he does. This EP is a perfect introduction to his songs that somehow remain so honest while being surrounded in gigantic, manipulated sounds. Beautiful music made by a beautiful person, what the fuck else do you need?
